Prof. S.P. Nissanka

Professor Sarath Premalal Nissanka possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with Honors from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, as well as Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Agronomy from the University of Guelph, Canada. Since 1996, he has held the positions of Senior Lecturer and subsequently Professor in Crop Science at the University of Peradeniya. His instructional responsibilities encompass a range of subjects including Agronomy, Plantation crop production, Crop physiology, Climate change impacts on agriculture, and crop modeling. Additionally, he provides oversight for research projects undertaken by undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Throughout his academic career, Professor Nissanka has undertaken various roles at the university level, including serving as the Head of the Department of Landscape and Crop Science. Notably, he assumes the pivotal role of Lead Scientist and Principal Investigator for the South Asian Nitrogen Hub project. At the national level, he actively participates in committees addressing sustainable nitrogen management, climate change mitigation, and agriculture.

On the international stage, Professor Nissanka engages with prominent organizations such as UNDP, UNEP, and UN. His notable responsibilities include membership on the National Steering Committee of UNDP-GEF/Small Grants Programme and serving as the country representative for the International Nitrogen Initiatives.

His extensive research endeavors encompass 26 research grants, over 90 research publications in refereed journals, and substantial contributions to textbooks. Professor Nissanka has been honored with six Presidential Awards in Sri Lanka for Scientific Publications, underscoring the recognition of his scholarly contributions.